addiction
noun
ad·dic·tion
ə-ˈdik-shən 
a-
1
: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted
alcohol addiction
an addiction to prescription painkillers
drug addictions
gambling addiction
2
: a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly
But those who know him well say he isn't driven by politics as much as his addiction to breaking news.—
Amanda Ripley
Amanda RipleyIf we do not find the courage to kick our fossil fuel addiction and transition to clean energy, we will warm the atmosphere to the extent that areas typically covered in white all winter long could see only sporadic snow.—Steven Nyman
Steven NymanExamples of addiction in a Sentence
He has a drug addiction.
His life has been ruined by heroin addiction.
He devotes his summers to his surfing addiction.
Recent Examples on the Web
For more: read Jamie Lee Curtis, in conversation with Rachel Syme, on addiction, beauty standards, and encounters with Bette Davis.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
And with people who are health-conscious, the amount of alcohol or any other addiction is extremely low.
—Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
But the tests also found methamphetamine in water at Imperial Beach at levels that other studies have shown are high enough for fish to develop an addiction and suffer withdrawal symptoms, Slade said.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
People like Rosa, plagued by uncontrolled fentanyl craving – either awake or in dreams – are at high risk of leaving treatment and returning to addiction.
—Lucinda Grande, The Conversation, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for addiction
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Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
And with people who are health-conscious, the amount of alcohol or any other addiction is extremely low.
—Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
But the tests also found methamphetamine in water at Imperial Beach at levels that other studies have shown are high enough for fish to develop an addiction and suffer withdrawal symptoms, Slade said.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
People like Rosa, plagued by uncontrolled fentanyl craving – either awake or in dreams – are at high risk of leaving treatment and returning to addiction.
—Lucinda Grande, The Conversation, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for addiction
Cite this Entry
“Addiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
addiction
noun
ad·dic·tion
ə-ˈdik-shən
a-
: the quality or state of being addicted
especially
: uncontrollable use of habit-forming drugs
Medical Definition
addiction
noun
ad·dic·tion
ə-ˈdik-shən
: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence : the state of being addicted
alcohol addiction
an addiction to prescription painkillers
drug addictions
gambling addiction
Legal Definition
addiction
noun
ad·dic·tion
ə-ˈdik-shən
: compulsive physiological need for a habit-forming drug (as heroin)
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